Hussey guides Victoria to remarkable win

Victoria 129 and 7 for 362 (Hussey 125*, Klinger 102, Jewell 57, Bollinger 3-97) beat New South Wales 189 and 299 by 3 wickets
Scorecard

David Hussey kept his nerve with a century to drive Victoria to an outstanding win in a low-scoring match at the SCG. Chasing 360 to beat New South Wales, Victoria evoked memories of their record fourth-innings 455 to triumph at Newcastle three years ago as Hussey brought up the victory with a six off Stuart MacGill.

Hussey, who made 212 in the 2003-04 fightback, finished unbeaten on 125 after Michael Klinger set up the chase with 102. Adam Crosthwaite and Hussey resumed with 119 required and five wickets in hand. Crosthwaite fell for 26 to a diving catch at first slip by Dominic Thornely and when Doug Bollinger (3 for 97) claimed Shane Harwood the Blues were still in with a chance.

But Stuart MacGill failed to break through on a spin-friendly pitch and Gerard Denton partnered Hussey, the stand-in captain, through the closing stages as the Bushrangers earned their third victory of the season. Victoria's 7 for 362 was the highest total of the match after they managed only 129 in their first attempt.

Hussey's five-and-a-half-hour innings featured 12 fours and two sixes but he cautiously batted through the final morning, mostly content to edge closer with ones and twos. Klinger's century gave the side their platform before three late wickets on the third day had the game in the balance.